Whether you go for more contemporary or more country, remember that both as still in the kitchen. So consider staining the wood to protect it from eventual cooking wear and tear.

Do you really need a one? Not really. But you’ll inevitably get that wall dirty while cooking or washing dishes, and an easy-to-clean surface can make messes easier to wipe up, especially if your stove doesn’t have a one built in. And almost any type of material can work–from bamboo to corkboard–as long as it’s properly sealed.

Kitchen islands serve a number of purposes. In addition to being a visual anchor in the space, they also help increase the room’s functionality and efficiency. And according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders more than 70% of buyers want an island in their kitchen, and of those, 50% consider it a must-have. Since it’s apparent that adding an island is a sound investment, we’ve gathered 60 of our favorite kitchen island ideas to use for inspiration.